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Physical therapy is a valuable part of rehab, empowering people of all ages and abilities to move better, feel stronger and live more active lives. People with injuries or chronic medical conditions — arthritis, back pain and neurological disorders, for example — know that limited mobility is often painful physically and mentally.
A physical therapist can help you work toward pain-free movement and resume normal activities using a variety of techniques and modalities. If you’re experiencing frequent aches and pains, physical therapy could be the recovery approach you’ve been looking for.
What Is Physical Therapy?
Physical therapy is a health care discipline focused on treating problems with movement, function and pain. The hands-on approaches physical therapists use complement other evidence-based treatments. In addition, these approaches go beyond treating symptoms and involve holistic thinking. Practitioners look at posture, movement patterns, muscle imbalances and even lifestyle factors.
No therapy is a one-size-fits-all solution. Whether you’re a professional athlete or an office worker, your therapist can devise a treatment plan based on your specific needs and goals. This typically includes education about how to move better, prevent future injuries and maintain your progress over time.
Here’s what to expect when you first see a physical therapist:
- Evaluation. Your first physical therapy session begins with an assessment of your medical history, current symptoms and movement limitations. Preliminary tests might evaluate your range of motion, grip strength, flexibility and balance.
- Diagnosis. Based on their evaluation, your physical therapist arrives at a diagnosis and works with you to set realistic treatment goals.
- Treatment plan. Your therapist designs a custom plan to meet the goals previously outlined. These plans often combine routine exercises, manual therapy and patient education.
- Reassessment. Your therapist regularly checks your progress to make sure you’re on track. If you’re not significantly improving, they can modify your treatment plan.
Success is more likely if you find the right physical therapist. When choosing your therapist, make sure they’re licensed in your state, and check if they have any additional certifications or specialties relevant to your condition.
Benefits of Physical Therapy
Physical therapy offers a range of health and wellness benefits. Therapists prescribe exercises and provide manual therapy sessions to improve mobility and muscle function, whether the issues are due to an acute injury or chronic condition. When done with proper guidance and supervision, targeted exercises lead to greater resilience, which can reduce the risk of future injuries. In one study of older adults, a physical therapy program reduced their fall risk by as much as 40%.
Chronic pain, especially in the lower back and neck, is a common problem. In many cases, physical therapy can be as effective as pharmaceuticals or surgery. It’s worth exploring this option to avoid the risks and costs of invasive surgery if possible, including opioid use for post-surgical pain management. A systematic review of rehab providers found that physical therapy led to a significant reduction in short- and long-term pain, as well as long-term disability.
If you’re an athlete or highly active, sport-specific exercises help optimize performance and prevent overuse injuries. However, even fewer active people can benefit from a physical therapist’s help. While some discomfort may arise while pushing your limits, your therapist works with you to ensure your safety.
Common Techniques and Modalities
Physical therapists have a range of techniques and modalities at their disposal. The exact treatment plan depends on an individual’s starting condition and goals. Some of the most common therapeutic approaches include:
- Exercise. This is the cornerstone of most treatment plans. To improve mobility, physical therapists prescribe specific exercises. These typically involve body-weight workouts, resistance bands, free weights or specialized gym equipment.
- Manual therapy. Hands-on techniques, such as massages, gentle joint mobilization and soft tissue pressure, support pain management, increased flexibility and better healing.
- Adjunct therapies. These treatments complement exercise and manual therapies. Your physical therapist might suggest heat therapy, cold therapy, ultrasound, electrical stimulation or laser therapy. Many of these modalities help reduce inflammation and swelling, ease joint pain and promote tissue healing.
- Patient education. Your physical therapist can teach you how to manage your condition independently, which might mean posture correction, exercises to do at home and strategies to prevent similar injuries.
Conditions Treated With Physical Therapy
Physical therapists treat a broad spectrum of conditions affecting the entire body. Physical therapy is highly effective for:
- Sprains
- Strains
- Fractures
- Tendinitis
- Postsurgical rehab
Many physical therapists help manage chronic conditions, such as:
- Arthritis
- Back pain
- Neck pain
- Osteoporosis
It’s also a key part of treatment plans for diseases that affect balance and coordination, such as brain and spinal cord injuries.
In the case of serious adverse events, physical therapy is helpful for rehab. Those who’ve suffered a heart attack or had serious surgery can lose strength and flexibility while recovering. A comprehensive treatment plan can get them back on track faster than unassisted recovery.
Some specialized therapists deal with women’s health, addressing conditions such as pelvic floor dysfunction, pregnancy-related pain and post-childbirth recovery. Working in this area requires additional knowledge of women’s unique needs.
Become Pain-Free Again
Physical therapy offers a powerful, noninvasive method to help you return to your active life. From pain reduction to injury prevention, physical therapy sessions can significantly impact your quality of life. If you’ve been contemplating drugs or surgery, consider talking to a therapist who understands your challenges, goals and concerns.
At FHE Health, we help patients in their mental and physical recovery. Whether you’re struggling with a drug or alcohol addiction, muscle injury or multiple issues, we can help. Our rehab centers allow you to heal in a safe, comfortable environment surrounded by compassionate staff members. Reach out to us today to learn more about our treatment services.
